549-game Xavi thrilled to equal Barcelona appearance record

Victory over Levante last night was the midfielder's 549th game in Barca colours.

"It's an honour and I would like to thank everyone for the support I have always received," the midfielder told Canal Plus after the game.

Xavi, now 30, signed a new deal earlier this year to keep him at Barca until the age of 36.

And despite some injury problems this season, he hopes to stay at the club for the remainder of that agreement.

"I hope to go on for many years and, if possible, carry on winning titles with Barca," he said.

Xavi has won virtually all there is to win at both club and international level, including five Primera Division titles, two Champions Leagues and a World Club Cup with Barcelona, and both the World Cup and the European Championship with Spain.

The midfielder is also in line to win this year's Golden Ball, in which he is shortlisted for the prize alongside team-mates Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.